Hockey: Three players fancied for Indian test series

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Newcomers Jaimee Provan, Meredith Orr and Paula Enoka could be the big movers when the New Zealand women's hockey selectors name their team for the four-test series against India.

Although all seven players who made their debut in last week's drawn series against South Korea impressed, it seems Provan, Orr and Enoka are likely to be at the forefront of any discussions when Jan Borren, Rex Smith and Jude Rawcliffe select the 16 players for the June matches.

Youngsters Melody Rowe and Lizzie Igasan may or may not be involved, as they are certain to be members of the New Zealand under-21 team who will have three matches against Australia in May as preparation for the Junior World Cup in Argentina.

The 16 players who played the Koreans are all available for the Indian visit. Also considered will be Olympians Mandy Smith, Anna Lawrence and, if she has recovered from a knee injury, Moira Senior.

"These series [against South Korea and India] are about development," said coach Borren. "They are the only opportunities we have to play new players before the matches against Australia and then the Champions Trophy. There is also the chance at least one more player could make her international debut.

"The newcomers did quite well against Korea. Obviously, some found it easier to fit in than others but that is to be expected. Defence remains a key at this level. We have had a long-established defensive unit who had become instinctive in their play. You can't expect to have that straight away with new players.

"Overall they did reasonably well. I thought Paula Enoka did well at times. Elements of her game were very good," said Borren.

"They all made worthwhile contributions."

Borren also said Orr had made a significant contribution in the pivotal centre-half role. "That can be a tough position and one we have tried a number of players in since Tina Bell-Kake's decision to retire from international play."

Borren was particularly pleased with the way his team had picked up their game in the fourth test after losing the second and third.

"We did not want to lose a series at home. That would have been an injustice to our ability. We were under pressure early in the fourth test but we stuck to the game plan and scored two first half goals. When we went 3-0 ahead the Koreans hung their heads and let other things [including some umpiring decisions] upset them."

New Zealand went on to win the match 5-0 - one of their biggest victories on the international stage.